Quitting Handyman Jobs? | Going Full Time Remodeler? | THE HANDYMAN BUSINESS 

Man, you really nailed it!! I've just finished phase 1 of 1600SF reno, 3 months in and I'm burnt out! I was so glad to do a 2 hour job today. I need a few lite weeks before I go back for phase 2 (another 6-8 weeks). Man, I really appreciate the work, but am totally burnt out at that address. Thank god the clients are SUPER to deal with... thanks for the video and bringing us along.

Totally understand the "guilty" feeling. If I'm not on the job 24/7 I feel like I'm slacking. That being said, I've been working 6 or 7 days a week, 8-10+ hrs a day since April, im ready for about 2 weeks off lol

My friend, it's literally like you have been observing me and my thoughts before you made this video. This is literally my life

It comes in phases that’s why mixing it up helps the mind relax with both types of jobs .

Man! I've had my Handyman business for 8 years and have followed your channel for just as long. Every year you make more and more sense as I've experienced so much through the years and can relate almost 100%. Thank you for being a great handyman and sharing your experience and knowledge over the years. 🙂👍

Completely normal! I go through the same thing all the time. Spot on about making so many mistakes sometimes you have to force yourself to leave! Usually the next day you are the most productive.

You are describing everything I go through on a daily basis as a professional handyman! That motivation and drive is so easy to lose on small projects and it’s so easy to take days off. I also like to take on bigger projects and then when I’m done with those pick up smaller projects and then repeat the process it seems to keep me balanced! Great video!

I appreciate the candor. Realizing that there are more of us out there helps things mentally. Your channel is a great resource. Thank you.

Couldn't agree more. It is nice to mix them up. Jobs that last longer than a month seem to take so much out of me. I start to dread returning to the property. I'll tell myself, "never again". Then after juggling appointments with home owners and clients, I start to miss just showing up and working at the same house everyday. Glad I'm not the only one. Great content as always!

Very good information! I often feel that I should be doing more and more! I also realize that sometimes you have to stop so you don’t make a big screw up or over extend yourself - physically and mentally!

Spittin straight truths! Although I don't agree that everyone can do these things, some people make you wonder how they have managed to live so long

So much truth in what you said in this one. I am same way in when I get on a long day routine I don’t know what to do with myself if I’m not working. I stopped working for customers a long time ago to just do flips and my full time job because I didn’t want to deal with business side of it. I now am going to go back to handyman things and glad to hear what you are saying is exactly how I’m feeling about going back into it. Thanks for the video!

Dude, I poast periodically in your comments. No often. I'm litterally beginning my day rewatching some of your videos and smoking a cigar with my coffee. This video hits home this morning. I"m getting started at 11:00 and justifying it cause it's close to Christmas and I'm developing a pissed off attitude. Anywho, You're an inspiration to me. You've really helped me out. You deserve all that money you've made with these videos and more. YOu're adding real value to the world with your content. Hope you find time to read this comment. Merry Christmas brother. And thank you from the bottom of my heart

This was without a doubt the most compelling and intellectual and connecting RU-vid videos about handyman self-employed business ownership that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. You hit the nail right on the head. The feeling of having days off in between and then losing that momentum it’s truly catastrophic.

Wow you hit the nail on the head! I have had my own Handyman business for 6 for 7 years now and you are spot on. I appreciate your channel. Keep up the good work!

I really appreciate you doing this video. I needed motivation for overtime tomorrow. We're closing our lighting package out

I literally quit my job of 14 years, being fed up with the BS... ive always done handyman side jobs for years, but decided that with 3 bathroom remodels lined up, and a few side jobs, that it was time....been my own boss for 2 weeks so far, and loving it.... but i can easily see this going through my head as well!

This is like a therapy session for everyone here, relating to this & realizing somethings gotta change haha Good stuff 👍🏼

My life word for word. Love your videos! Ive been doing remodeling for 17 years and became self employed 3 years ago. Good to see folks just like me out there with the same struggles and the same thoughts.

Spot on brother. I just started up and was glad to hear this isn't just me.

Fitting you put this out today. Today was my last day at my 15 year career and start of going full time self employed!

Wow. Thanks for this video. A bunch of the things that you said hit home. I just took 2 weeks off to kind of wind down after a big job. 1 to organize my garage/tools, deal with paperwork, get some exercise, help my dad with his pond build, and to bang out a couple of little jobs.

Wow this video really spoke to me cuz I am going through all of that what you were talking about right now as far as going balls-to-the-wall for a month or two and being in that mode until the end and then needing time off but it almost hurts to try to get back in that mode at first after months with no days off. I have to force myself to get back in normal routine of even eight hours a day after a big remodel. I love all your videos and thanks for helping everyone!

You are exactly right it's nice to have someone who can put how we feel in to words and there's comfort in knowing that we are not the only feeling those feelings great Motivational video handyman

It helps me to be aware of what my short comings (weaknesses?) are. Totally appreciate your comments on burn out of small or large jobs. For me the pressure to stay on budget of those long jobs erodes my drive or ambition each day. Thanks for sharing.

I can totally relate. I just bid on a larger job that would take me some time to complete. I'm not sure that I want to work that many hours in a day but I know I've been slacking off since it got hot too Been quite lazy actually. Thought a vacation would restore my enthusiasm but it got cut short because my truck took a crap. Hell, even the addition of a truck payment hasn't motivated me too much. Not sure if it's the heat causing burnout or what.

Wow, glad to know that someone with as much experience as you still gets tired and burned out and wants to skip work for a few days. I’ve only been doing this a year and I beat myself up a lot when I start to get exhausted from the workload. Keep up the good work and thank you for the inspiring RU-vid channel.

This was exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks for all the great content you gift us.

100% right on with what you said! I go through the same things exactly. Feeling lazy! If I slow down I feel like rig amortize is setting in...lol, when I go straight out I feel good but then I exhaust myself, yada yada yada. And yes I thought I was the only one that felt like that. Just took a week vacation with my kids and now scratching my head on how to get back into the routine...kooky dooks

Cool insight on the dynamics and timelines of renovations! I have forgotten what a small job is. I have been renovating a house built in 1890s for over a year and a half now 100% solo. Total gut frame to finish, working on buttoning up finishing touches inside crown moulding door and window casings and a custom mantel. Still havent touched the exterior in full force but that will be coming up soon!

I feel the same thanks for this video. Really appreciate you and your content.

I feel ya when I was full time a month on a job was too long but after bouncing around to small job for a couple week I was ready for good remodel or a garage build.

This is so true, I feel exactly the same way.

I have been helping a friend (part time) on reno of a 1915 house. I have been at it since Jan. I am so burnt out on scrapping, filling, sanding, painting baseboards, window & door trim. DONE ........... I get it. I have done other handyman jobs on the side which has been great.

Great video dude! I appreciate these videos, keep them up.

I so needed to hear this. I’m at the end of a remodel and it can’t end fast enough it’s to the point it’s just dragging on and on and on

Wow you just described me. Especially the motivation towards the end of a remodel

I needed this video so bad. Thanks brother 🙏🏾

Man I have all the same exact thoughts and habits so crazy!! What has helped me is getting little wins on bigger projects to stay motivated.

I have a house flip I'm finishing up. A little over 3 months into it, I have touched just about every surface. Definitely "done" physically and mentally. Gotta have the final push and get er done. This will be my 3rd. I have learned and greatly improved on my tool collection and skills with everything I have done. My down time will be between selling it and buying the next one.

Mann this is so true, I just came off a kitchen remodeling job and a took a week off afterwards to recharge, so I took on 3 smaller jobs since coming off my Lil vacation and I'm dragging getting my moment back to where it was when I was doing the kitchen remodel....

Self employed and this is the story of my life since I have gone solo. Glad to hear others have a similar experience … makes me feel less crazy! ✊🏽

Like you said, I’m just wrapping up this long remodel and have about a weeks worth of odds and ends to button up. I feel like I want to take a week off but I’m having to dive right into some couple day jobs. And yah, I needed up starting out kitchen remodel since I didn’t have enough to do when I got home…

I can totally relate with you with this especially after a big job you need a day or two but all the little jobs are so backed up its like what do I do .

Hey Andrew thanks for this video. Really nice to hear that the ultimate badass handy boy (you) has the same ups and downs I do. The way you explained it was dead on balls accurate (industry term) needed this one this week. Funny how life goes. K see ya

Watching this felt like I was having a conversation with myself. Good to know I'm not the only one struggling with these issues.

I do both types because I want to make money!! I prefer small jobs psychologically. If I'm on the same job more than 3 days I start to get antsy.

Nail on the head! Just done 4 big projects on the bounce. Now have flu. Your comments about running out of energy and motivation during a longer project are spot on. The finishing line seems a long way off at 75% through and a psychological battle then adds to the pressure. I usually relax for the last 5% when the finish line is in reach. With experience, the up and down of jobs become routine. Just have confidence in your ability and remember the job always ends in the end! And then you get paid😁

I'm so happy to hear that I'm not alone in this. It actually motivates me to know that we're all trying to hold the reigns of self-employment. Funny, I wrote this right before you said you get these exact comments 😁

Glad to know I’m not alone. I’ve started taking on a lot more bathroom remodels. I try to put a few small jobs in between the big ones.

Exactly the type of video I’ve been needing to see! I love my small jobs, because I find them more profitable than the larger projects! When I’m on a 2,3,4 day project, I’ll always fit in something at the end of the day to do… a light fixture, tv mount, a faucet install…. Something to add to the day that gives a sense of accomplishment…. Keeps me motivated to go back to that larger project the next day. 👍

So true im up right now making cabinets! Only have to be at the homeowners kit remodel at 7 am !

Gotta get you to 100k. Thank you for all your hard work and great content.

That's the way it is for me too. Variety is the spice of life. Im currently starting a bigger job and I'm going to experiment with working set hours to see if what I read in Scrum is effective in my work. Theory is that if you limit hours you will be more focused and less fatigued and to work with a short sprint mindset that resets every week or 2.

Glad to hear theirs others out there that feel the same way

Oh man oh man I felt like I was watching myself talk about my business issues haha glad I’m not the only one. Wow

I can relate. Thank you for this.

Bro - I struggle with this. I am on a 2 month no day off streak, almost killed my 2 guys today. Client delays. I need to clear the Renos so a can just focus on the small shooter jobs in and out repairs. Need a break.

Thank You! Very helpful 🤙🏼

I am glad you shared this I agree when I take a day or two off I get comfortable and lazy but when I'm rockin everyday from job to job making money 💰 I feel great and what the next job. Genius content Handyman that's one reason I love your channels. Keep it coming and now get to work lol 🤣✌🏻

Man you nailed it I felt this 100%

This is so true, I’m on the tail end (m57) what I’m finding is that I don’t even want the mid size jobs anymore and I turn down way more work than I actually do. I don’t need the money and just enjoy small jobs about two days a week. I’m not ready to do nothing, but my focus is more on mtn biking, skiing and playing at the lake.

Thanks so much for such transparency and honesty. This type of honesty can go a long way in presenting a healthy and balanced perspective on the handyman business. The only thing I would add is the importance of understanding your resource capacity, supply capability, transporation and operational efficiency based on level of man power. These are hard things for people to be realistic about. This is why they walk through business like a crippled child. They think they can just jump off the cliff because they have an ability to fix many different things. I can repair almost anything myself but given the fact that some of these factors are not securely in place, I will not embark on this journey. This is called wisdom. Thanks again for helping people to think through this with a broader lens. Also good to realize that it is not a kind or honorable way to treat the community when jobs cannot be done correctly and for a good price. The construction/handyman business seems to be full of people just experimenting with the landscape because they refuse to deal with other environments more suitable for them and where they are currently in life. God bless

Best video for me so far. Thanks.

Yup, Its a very up and down lifestyle. But I appreciate the independence and variables of the work I do. Challenging! Thanks for your channel!

I am in software development yet everything you said here applies to my business as well!! I can do small jobs or massive ones and the same things happen to me.

So well said. So true

Always useful, Handyman. Thanks.

So true I am the same way when I go on vacation I lose my drive and getting back into the groove of working

I'd say that is right on. Great assessment of my life as a contractor.

Definitely agree with you.

Facts! Managing too many clients can be overwhelming

Yep you take pride in your job excellent 🔨👍

I feel you on the getting lazy when you take a day off I'm glad I'm not the only one who has done this thanks for the motivational speech 😊

Thanks for the video. Though I'm in a different industry altogether, what you mentioned rings true =)

Spot on!

Just went back to my big project after a quick for me reno/flip of 8 weeks. My big project needs to get done, its all the small stuff that's left, and the list goes on and on. I am sooo over this job. Next up is a quick deck and walkway, then a shed rebuild and then another monster project, a 3000 sq ft mid century modern that has never been updated since it was built in the mid 60s. I am go to try and do this in well defined stages so that I can bounce to smaller projects as they come up. Maybe that will help keep things fresh

Yep that's exactly how I felt for the last 10 years of working for myself.

Everything you mentioned is me to a T. Funny I really thought it was just me. Today was one of those days nothing went as planned so I forced myself to cut out early and start fresh tomorrow.

Yes this is so true. I felt like you were saying my lifes story. Haha. I love it!

Hey handyman, great conversation. I know what you mean about under scheduling a day. If I can make for 500 bucks in five or six hours generally I feel good. And every so often for me the thousand dollar day comes along. I am 65, collecting Social Security, and putting in a 25 to 30 hours per week. Ex electrician like you with tons of experience in all of the other areas. Just finishing what started out as an electrical portion of a remodel to taking on the trimwork as well. After three weeks I was happy to see the customer leave town. Back to taking care of smaller jobs and finishing what’s left on his project on my own time. I guess each one of us is different depending upon our age and our needs.

Dude, you are describing me exactly! I deal with the same strange mental complexities. Glad to know I’m not the only one!

Hey Buds. I have followed you on and off for a year now. I have had a fear of just starting this work. In AZ we have two trains of thought one I’m not a fan of and the other is legitimate handyman. I have not taken on a repair or project In my life (no joke) that I have found myself short of skill; just motivation. If the job is for someone else it’s get done every time. IMHO what is missing in the trades even handyman skills is MENTORING. I think we have a good group here that can do just that. I’m 51 yrs old and I’m good on income short on life. Time for a change. Thanks again for this channel and your time. #2A4Life

Currently on a big job that is growing. Issue is permitting when there is a change or addition the scope. Getting drawings, sending in changes and waiting for approval. Then struggle with what to do with the days in-between

I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes I get so burnt out doing this stuff, I'll want to quit and get a regular job. Then I remember why I learned everything I did. I do it for the love of it!

This is it for solo contractors. I can relate to every word of that

Really good. I was just talking about the ups and downs with my wife, it’s good to know I’m not the only one.

Man this is so accurate. Ive experienced all of this

Thanks man I appreciate your videos they have help me out a lot I was gonna see if you can help me out I’ve decided to try and get side jobs on my own and need help bidding I’m doing a 22x9ft porch facia and beam replacement possible lvl some dry rot on rafters and soft fit need replace what should I charge please help

I thank you for the video handyman. I always try to take Sunday off. If I work Sunday by Tuesday or Wednesday, I start to slow down. Taking Sunday off gives me time to recover. Then Monday I'm ready to go...

Man you really hit the nail on the head

Just finished a two month + addition. It's been two weeks and I'm still recovering from going until 10 pm some nights. I still wouldn't want to go back to small jobs, I'd rather work hard physically than the headache of running around fixing things. Always quality content handyman, thanks for your videos

So freaking spot on. I get lazy with small odd jobs....Like the town drunk that can fix your drain.

I understand completely. After self employed from ‘97-‘11, I did facilities work for 10 years. Now I’m gearing up to go back to self employed work. It’s a cycle we must learn to balance.

Thank you Handyman. Love your content

About to do a double 1990's hallway bathroom remodel. Same house. Starting January. Pretty straight forward except for the stupid Quest plumbing. Looking forward to it. I been knocking out piddly shit for the last while. Lots of driving. Kinda ready to get settled in the same spot for a little while.

I also feel super guilty if I don't work. I grew up poor and feel like I am wasting time. That has changed however. I finally learned to chill out when I was 27 years old. I was getting sick and my body felt like I was 75 years old. I started making friends and picking up hobbies outside of working 24/7. I still haven't made as much money as I made back then because I take it slow now but you definitely need to have a balance with work and life. especially if you love what you do its easy to go all in on it and miss out on other things in life.

great insight

Very on point.

I feel your Mo-Jo brother. There are a bunch of up's and down's in this line of work. I prefer the smaller, shorter jobs. But, a bunch of my jobs are with repeat customers. I really do not like the administration paper-chase phone calls and texts you need to do. However, I truly enjoy helping folks with their projects.